David Savastano, Editor07.31.18
As a young child, Vic Dahleen traveled with his dad, Wendel, as he brought inks to his customers. The memories stayed with him, and Dahleen made the ink industry his career as well. Now, 32 years later, he has earned NAPIM’s Printing Ink Pioneer Award.
“My father was an ink salesmen for Acme Printing Ink and I have memories of going on road trips with him at a very young age, delivering ink to the printing plants,” said Dahleen, who is VP of sales and marketing at Central Ink. “I remember being enthralled by the sights, sounds and smells of my first printing press. Printing has always appealed to my artistic sense, and the scientific side has kept me grounded knowing that you never stop learning in our business.”
Dahleen began his career as an in-plant with Acme Printing Ink in 1986, joining his dad and brothers Gregg and Brad. He moved over to Central Ink in 1992, beginning on the technical side and then on to greater responsibilities, including opening the company’s branch in Minneapolis and converting the company to dry pigment production. He became VP of sales and marketing in 2015. He said that moving into different fields were highlights for him.
“As I look back on my career, the most rewarding times have been when I was out of my comfort zone and didn’t have all the answers,” he added. “Opening a new branch in an unfamiliar city, converting our manufacturing to dry grind operations, and directing our sales efforts have all been very challenging but most rewarding.”
Along the way, Dahleen has had the opportunity to work alongside many leaders, including his family.
“I have been fortunate to work with many incredibly talented people over three decades in the ink business,” Dahleen said. “Working for Ault Award recipient Richard Breen at Central Ink has been an incredible learning opportunity these past 26 years. However, it all starts with my father and seeing his passion for the ink business. I’ve also been extremely blessed to work alongside my two older brothers and mentors, Gregg and Brad, for most of my career.”
Outside of Central Ink, Dahleen is active in industry associations. He has served on NAPIM and NPIRI committees, and has given lectures and conducted seminars for PIA, Web Offset Association, Metro Users Group and Great Lakes Newspaper Conference. He is also a G7 expert and Certified Color Management Professional through Idealliance.
A member of the Chicago Printing Ink Production Club (CPIPC), Dahleen received the club’s Ink Maker of the Year Award in 2016.
Outside of work, Dahleen enjoys traveling, golfing, scuba diving and spending time with family.
Dahleen has a passion for the history of the ink industry and noted that receiving the Pioneer Award is especially meaningful to him.
“It is a great honor and I’m grateful to be among others who have received this award,” Dahleen concluded. “I’m a collector of printing ink antiques and truly appreciate the history of our industry and I am proud to be Pioneer Award recipient. I applaud the NAPIM organization, board members, and members for continuing this rich history.”
“My father was an ink salesmen for Acme Printing Ink and I have memories of going on road trips with him at a very young age, delivering ink to the printing plants,” said Dahleen, who is VP of sales and marketing at Central Ink. “I remember being enthralled by the sights, sounds and smells of my first printing press. Printing has always appealed to my artistic sense, and the scientific side has kept me grounded knowing that you never stop learning in our business.”
Dahleen began his career as an in-plant with Acme Printing Ink in 1986, joining his dad and brothers Gregg and Brad. He moved over to Central Ink in 1992, beginning on the technical side and then on to greater responsibilities, including opening the company’s branch in Minneapolis and converting the company to dry pigment production. He became VP of sales and marketing in 2015. He said that moving into different fields were highlights for him.
“As I look back on my career, the most rewarding times have been when I was out of my comfort zone and didn’t have all the answers,” he added. “Opening a new branch in an unfamiliar city, converting our manufacturing to dry grind operations, and directing our sales efforts have all been very challenging but most rewarding.”
Along the way, Dahleen has had the opportunity to work alongside many leaders, including his family.
“I have been fortunate to work with many incredibly talented people over three decades in the ink business,” Dahleen said. “Working for Ault Award recipient Richard Breen at Central Ink has been an incredible learning opportunity these past 26 years. However, it all starts with my father and seeing his passion for the ink business. I’ve also been extremely blessed to work alongside my two older brothers and mentors, Gregg and Brad, for most of my career.”
Outside of Central Ink, Dahleen is active in industry associations. He has served on NAPIM and NPIRI committees, and has given lectures and conducted seminars for PIA, Web Offset Association, Metro Users Group and Great Lakes Newspaper Conference. He is also a G7 expert and Certified Color Management Professional through Idealliance.
A member of the Chicago Printing Ink Production Club (CPIPC), Dahleen received the club’s Ink Maker of the Year Award in 2016.
Outside of work, Dahleen enjoys traveling, golfing, scuba diving and spending time with family.
Dahleen has a passion for the history of the ink industry and noted that receiving the Pioneer Award is especially meaningful to him.
“It is a great honor and I’m grateful to be among others who have received this award,” Dahleen concluded. “I’m a collector of printing ink antiques and truly appreciate the history of our industry and I am proud to be Pioneer Award recipient. I applaud the NAPIM organization, board members, and members for continuing this rich history.”